WINDSOR, Conn., March 23, 2018 /3BL Media/ - In an era where teaching ideas are plentiful, but money is short, Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), wants K-12 educators across the country to know there is still time to apply for a Voya Unsung Heroes® grant for the 2018 calendar year. Any eligible educator with an innovative program idea is invited to apply by visiting the Unsung Heroes website at Voya.com/UnsungHeroes and submitting their information online by April 30, 2018.

“At Voya, we’re proud to recognize the many educators who go above and beyond to inspire a love of learning in their classrooms,” said Heather Lavallee, president of Tax-Exempt Markets for Voya’s Retirement business. “Our Unsung Heroes grant program helps to bring novel teaching concepts to life. Now in our 22nd year, we are pleased to continue supporting these role models who are committed to impacting the lives of young people every day.”

Voya handed out its first Unsung Heroes award more than two decades ago as a way to demonstrate its commitment to the education community, an important customer group for the company’s Retirement business. After awarding more than $5 million in grants, the program continues to be a catalyst for innovative learning. Each year, 100 finalists are selected to receive a $2,000 grant. The winning projects are chosen based on the creativity of the idea, the teaching method applied and the ability to positively influence students. Out of the 100 finalists, three are selected to receive enhanced awards: $5,000 for third place; $10,000 for second place; and $25,000 for first place.

In addition to their financial award, many Voya Unsung Heroes grant recipients are recognized in front of their school community with a surprise check-presentation event. You can view the reactions of some past recipients on YouTube (https://youtu.be/14SWh9QxVg4?t=74).

Don’t miss out — Applying is easy as 1-2-3And the process is easy. Visit the Unsung Heroes website at Voya.com/UnsungHeroes to access a 2018 application and additional program information. Those interested must act soon — applications are currently being accepted through Monday, April 30, 2018.

Every educator with a compelling idea and the need for some extra support is welcome to apply — don’t let this opportunity pass by.

As an industry leader and advocate for greater retirement readiness, Voya Financial is committed to delivering on its vision to be America’s Retirement Company® and its mission to make a secure financial future possible — one person, one family, one institution at a time.

About Voya Financial®Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), helps Americans plan, invest and protect their savings — to get ready to retire better. Serving the financial needs of approximately 14.7 million individual and institutional customers in the United States, Voya is a Fortune 500 company that had $8.6 billion in revenue in 2017. The company had $555 billion in total assets under management and administration as of Dec. 31, 2017. With a clear mission to make a secure financial future possible — one person, one family, one institution at a time — Voya’s vision is to be America’s Retirement Company®. Certified as a “Great Place to Work” by the Great Place to Work® Institute, Voya is equally committed to conducting business in a way that is socially, environmentally, economically and ethically responsible. Voya has been recognized as one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute, one of the 2018 World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine and one of the Top Green Companies in the U.S. by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @Voya.